CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu Bishops’ Council (TNBC) has come up with a draft ‘alternative education policy’ against the new education policy drafted by the Ministry of Human Resource Development. A book titled Alternative Education Policy was released on Saturday.
Speaking on the occasion, DMK MP Tiruchi N Siva termed the Centre’s new education policy “anti-secularism and anti-federalism.”
Political parties like DMK and others had raised their voice against it. In the meantime, TNBC went to Delhi and met Union Ministers and they ensured a new committee will be convened. “TNBC drafted alternative education policy is comprehensive and will not harm the interests of any section of society,” he said.
CPI MP D Raja said the Constitution spoke of social justice and secularism which should be the basis of education policy. “Our children should have a scientific temper. We must foresee things and should not absorb whatever is said to us.”
Though six per cent of GDP should be spent on education, not even three per cent is being allocated for the subject. “Spending on education should increase. How can India move forward, if the government cannot ensure access to good education and healthcare? A strong public opinion is needed to fight for an alternative policy,” he said.
Highlighting the points in the book, Felix Wilfred, a retired professor of the University of Madras and who edited the book, said the draft alternative policy emphasises on education to the marginalised section of society.
“The marginalised section has a bright future but there is a lack of opportunities for them. If we deprive the small groups we are depriving the community,” he said.